Poll
Question:
Where would you be reincarnated?
Option 1: Norway
votes: 6
Option 2: Switzerland
votes: 1
Option 3: Australia
votes: 1
Option 4: Ireland
votes: 0
Option 5: Germany
votes: 1
Option 6: Iceland
votes: 2
Option 7: Hong Kong
votes: 1
Option 8: Sweden
votes: 2
Option 9: Singapore
votes: 0
Option 10: Netherlands
votes: 3
Option 11: Denmark
votes: 3
Option 12: Canada
votes: 5
Option 13: USA
votes: 5
Option 14: UK
votes: 1
Option 15: Finland
votes: 2
Option 16: New Zealand
votes: 2
Option 17: Japan
votes: 1
Option 18: China
votes: 0
Option 19: Liechtenstein
votes: 3
Option 20: France
votes: 2
Option 21: Spain
votes: 1
Option 22: Italy
votes: 0
Option 23: South Korea
votes: 0
Option 24: Other
votes: 2
You wake up one morning to bright lights and harp music. As your vision clears you see that you are standing on clouds that stretch off into the horizon as far as the eye can see. The only feature in this cloudy desert is a large golden gate, in front of which stands an old bearded guy with a halo, a concerned look across his face as he examines a clipboard.
"Your name isn't Wendy Chan is it? No, I thought not...Oh bum, it's happened again"
He hands you a form and explains:
"Ever since we privatised collections this has started happening more than ever. Long story short; you're dead. Woops. You're not meant to be but we've collected the wrong person and there's no way to send you back." you don't really have time to think or read the form before he continues "Since its not your time yet we don't really have space for you...and, well, we sold off limbo years ago. So, we've developed a bit of a work around."
He points to the form "All your details are here, the only thing you have to worry about is this box here. You're going to be reincarnated. You're going to be a human. Don't worry about that. But everything else is rather a coin toss I'm afraid; gender, wealth of your parents, DNA, etcetera. About the only thing we can give you a choice in, is in which nation you'll be born on the 1st July 2019. So. Write it in the box there."
"Oh. And in case you're thinking of trying something smart, if you don't write an actual nation that exists you'll be given something random. Don't be like that kid who put Wakanda. The guys in admin don't have a sense of humour and they gave him North Korea. Any questions? No. Great. Get writing. Here's a quill shaped biro."
"Don't be like that kid who put Wakanda" :lol:
In that case, I would happily come back to Canada :)
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 18, 2019, 02:32:40 PM
In that case, I would happily come back to Canada :)
:Canuck:
Australia would be cool too, but its too hot
Norway would probably be the safest bet.
:frog:
Quote from: Iormlund on June 18, 2019, 02:41:33 PM
Norway would probably be the safest bet.
If you like fossil fuels and social conservatism it's great.
This is just a version of John Rawl's Veil of ignorance - what kind of society would you want to be born into if you didn't know what kind of starting position you would be born into.
The knock on Canada of course is that you have a 1 in 20 chance of being born First Nations, with all the baggage that can come from that. So is that the country you would rather choose? Or do you choose a more egalitarian, and more homogenous country - perhaps Iceland or South Korea? Lichtenstein is tempting as the per capita GDP there is something ridiculous (quick check - apparently $141,000).
Quote from: Iormlund on June 18, 2019, 02:41:33 PM
Norway would probably be the safest bet.
That would be a close second. Weather, food and beaches/ski hills are better in Vancouver.
Which reminds me - I would need to specify Vancouver.
Quote from: Valmy on June 18, 2019, 02:42:36 PM
:frog:
You have a 1 in 10 chance of being born into a family of north african origin, and likely living in a banlieue.
But if you lived in Lichtenstein you would under tyrannical monarchist rule. Under those circumstances would your giant pile of money be sufficient solace?
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 02:48:11 PM
Quote from: Valmy on June 18, 2019, 02:42:36 PM
:frog:
You have a 1 in 10 chance of being born into a family of north african origin, and likely living in a banlieue.
At least the food would be good.
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 18, 2019, 02:46:59 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on June 18, 2019, 02:41:33 PM
Norway would probably be the safest bet.
That would be a close second. Weather, food and beaches/ski hills are better in Vancouver.
Which reminds me - I would need to specify Vancouver.
Too late.........off to Nunavut you go!
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 18, 2019, 02:50:10 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 18, 2019, 02:46:59 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on June 18, 2019, 02:41:33 PM
Norway would probably be the safest bet.
That would be a close second. Weather, food and beaches/ski hills are better in Vancouver.
Which reminds me - I would need to specify Vancouver.
Too late.........off to Nunavut you go!
We sent one of our workers there for a month... he did not have fun :D
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 02:45:45 PM
This is just a version of John Rawl's Veil of ignorance - what kind of society would you want to be born into if you didn't know what kind of starting position you would be born into.
The knock on Canada of course is that you have a 1 in 20 chance of being born First Nations, with all the baggage that can come from that. So is that the country you would rather choose? Or do you choose a more egalitarian, and more homogenous country - perhaps Iceland or South Korea? Lichtenstein is tempting as the per capita GDP there is something ridiculous (quick check - apparently $141,000).
I didn't vote for it (woops) but Liechtenstein would be my choice.
I can just see it now.
20 years later. Helmut 'Josquius' Schmidt is sat on a hay bail drinking a beer watching an elderly man slowly bike up the mountain towards him.
"Grüezi young Helmut!" gasps the man as he approaches the bail
"Hey Mr Schmidt. Whats up? Still teaching?"
"No no....I've just been in the city...." the man manages to gasp out "...new job."
"Oh? Whats the job?"
"I've just been appointed...head of...Liechtenstein Olympic committee"
"Cool gig. What's it pay?"
"Oh... not much...just.... 200,000 francs a year. But its only 50% time so...its fine"
"Nice. Anything I can help you with?"
"Yes! Helmut! I remember back when you were in school. That one time you threw the stick clear across the field, a whole 20 metres!"
"Ah yeah, I remember that."
"Would you represent Liechtenstein in javelin?"
"Where's the olympics at this year?"
"Seoul. It's next Thursday."
"Hmm, I don't know. I've never been to Korea so that's cool, but I've got the national rugby team on Sunday so I don't want to do too much in one week...."
"There's the olympic village orgies"
"Sign me up"
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 02:48:11 PM
Quote from: Valmy on June 18, 2019, 02:42:36 PM
:frog:
You have a 1 in 10 chance of being born into a family of north african origin, and likely living in a banlieue.
Pstt banlieues include wealthy suburbs too, and non north african people live there too, in fewer numbers thanks to the disruption brought by immigrants non willing to integrate or assimilate.
Not to mention that a banlieue now is much better than what it used to be before the high rising social projects were built (slums).
As for 1 in 10, not even Le Pen goes that far.
Quote from: Tyr on June 18, 2019, 02:59:32 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 02:45:45 PM
This is just a version of John Rawl's Veil of ignorance - what kind of society would you want to be born into if you didn't know what kind of starting position you would be born into.
The knock on Canada of course is that you have a 1 in 20 chance of being born First Nations, with all the baggage that can come from that. So is that the country you would rather choose? Or do you choose a more egalitarian, and more homogenous country - perhaps Iceland or South Korea? Lichtenstein is tempting as the per capita GDP there is something ridiculous (quick check - apparently $141,000).
I didn't vote for it (woops) but Liechtenstein would be my choice.
If you thought Switzerland was dull, it has nothing on Lichtenstein though. It definitely would be safe though.
Trouble is it is entirely dependent on the finance industry. All it would take is one big financial round of reforms to get rid of tax havens and their industry would be demolished. Sure no near-term likelihood of that happening, but over a human lifetime?
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 18, 2019, 03:00:52 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 02:48:11 PM
Quote from: Valmy on June 18, 2019, 02:42:36 PM
:frog:
You have a 1 in 10 chance of being born into a family of north african origin, and likely living in a banlieue.
Pstt banlieues include wealthy suburbs too, and non north african people live there too, in fewer numbers thanks to the disruption brought by immigrants non willing to integrate or assimilate.
Not to mention that a banlieue now is much better than what it used to be before the high rising social projects were built (slums).
As for 1 in 10, not even Le Pen goes that far.
You can argue the numbers (I have no idea, I found it on a quick google search, might be wrong), but the point is that under this kind of Veil of Ignorance exercise, you run the risk of being amongst that country's poorest. So do you want a country where on average people do very well? Or do you want to minimize your downside risk?
I think I'm going to go with... Finland.
I was going to vote for The Greatest Country in the World, but then I saw the question, so I voted Norway.
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 03:08:28 PM
Quote from: Tyr on June 18, 2019, 02:59:32 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 02:45:45 PM
This is just a version of John Rawl's Veil of ignorance - what kind of society would you want to be born into if you didn't know what kind of starting position you would be born into.
The knock on Canada of course is that you have a 1 in 20 chance of being born First Nations, with all the baggage that can come from that. So is that the country you would rather choose? Or do you choose a more egalitarian, and more homogenous country - perhaps Iceland or South Korea? Lichtenstein is tempting as the per capita GDP there is something ridiculous (quick check - apparently $141,000).
I didn't vote for it (woops) but Liechtenstein would be my choice.
If you thought Switzerland was dull, it has nothing on Lichtenstein though. It definitely would be safe though.
Trouble is it is entirely dependent on the finance industry. All it would take is one big financial round of reforms to get rid of tax havens and their industry would be demolished. Sure no near-term likelihood of that happening, but over a human lifetime?
Oh yeah, for sure, its basically just a small Swiss county.
But may you live in uninteresting times and all that. Growing up rich I can always move out.
I don't see Swiss (and Liechtensteiner) mega-wealth continuing for more than a decade into the future, but I think they're pretty secure as a decent first world country as long as there is such a thing.
Liechtenstein of course. If I can't pick Wakanda, I'll go with Catholic Wakanda.
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 03:08:28 PM
Trouble is it is entirely dependent on the finance industry. All it would take is one big financial round of reforms to get rid of tax havens and their industry would be demolished. Sure no near-term likelihood of that happening, but over a human lifetime?
But presumably any skilled Liechtensteiner would be able to travel and work abroad as well. They'll have the education and the languages necessary to go just about anywhere.
OK who's the retard??!?
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 03:11:30 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 18, 2019, 03:00:52 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 02:48:11 PM
Quote from: Valmy on June 18, 2019, 02:42:36 PM
:frog:
You have a 1 in 10 chance of being born into a family of north african origin, and likely living in a banlieue.
Pstt banlieues include wealthy suburbs too, and non north african people live there too, in fewer numbers thanks to the disruption brought by immigrants non willing to integrate or assimilate.
Not to mention that a banlieue now is much better than what it used to be before the high rising social projects were built (slums).
As for 1 in 10, not even Le Pen goes that far.
You can argue the numbers (I have no idea, I found it on a quick google search, might be wrong), but the point is that under this kind of Veil of Ignorance exercise, you run the risk of being amongst that country's poorest. So do you want a country where on average people do very well? Or do you want to minimize your downside risk?
I think I'm going to go with... Finland.
Banlieues, or rather ethnic enclaves not willing to integrate, get more taxpayer money than provincial, small town "hinterland" France. They also get a very lax police response for all the trouble they make, unlike yellow vests. In a Parisian banlieue you are much closer to culture and opportunities, and need no (diesel) car to go around (big no-no for Macro and his clique recently).
Quote from: Habbaku on June 18, 2019, 03:14:35 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 03:08:28 PM
Trouble is it is entirely dependent on the finance industry. All it would take is one big financial round of reforms to get rid of tax havens and their industry would be demolished. Sure no near-term likelihood of that happening, but over a human lifetime?
But presumably any skilled Liechtensteiner would be able to travel and work abroad as well. They'll have the education and the languages necessary to go just about anywhere.
Do Leichtensteiners have the ability to live and work in the rest of europe? I know they are in the EEA and Schengen, but obviously not in the EU.
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 03:19:11 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on June 18, 2019, 03:14:35 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 03:08:28 PM
Trouble is it is entirely dependent on the finance industry. All it would take is one big financial round of reforms to get rid of tax havens and their industry would be demolished. Sure no near-term likelihood of that happening, but over a human lifetime?
But presumably any skilled Liechtensteiner would be able to travel and work abroad as well. They'll have the education and the languages necessary to go just about anywhere.
Do Leichtensteiners have the ability to live and work in the rest of europe?
They're rich and white.
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 18, 2019, 03:17:25 PM
And get a very a lax police response for all the trouble they make, unlike yellow vests.
That part of the problem, isn't it? Trying to be an upstanding, upwardly-mobile citizen will get you mugged and assaulted.
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 03:19:11 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on June 18, 2019, 03:14:35 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 18, 2019, 03:08:28 PM
Trouble is it is entirely dependent on the finance industry. All it would take is one big financial round of reforms to get rid of tax havens and their industry would be demolished. Sure no near-term likelihood of that happening, but over a human lifetime?
But presumably any skilled Liechtensteiner would be able to travel and work abroad as well. They'll have the education and the languages necessary to go just about anywhere.
Do Leichtensteiners have the ability to live and work in the rest of europe? I know they are in the EEA and Schengen, but obviously not in the EU.
If they are part of both the EEA and Schengen, they can work and live in the EU. Being part of the EEA alone does give that ability.
Quote from: The Brain on June 18, 2019, 03:17:12 PM
OK who's the retard??!?
Wait, which one's the retard option? Sweden?
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 18, 2019, 02:50:10 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 18, 2019, 02:46:59 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on June 18, 2019, 02:41:33 PM
Norway would probably be the safest bet.
That would be a close second. Weather, food and beaches/ski hills are better in Vancouver.
Which reminds me - I would need to specify Vancouver.
Too late.........off to Nunavut you go!
Doh!!!
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on June 18, 2019, 03:23:30 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 18, 2019, 03:17:25 PM
And get a very a lax police response for all the trouble they make, unlike yellow vests.
That part of the problem, isn't it? Trying to be an upstanding, upwardly-mobile citizen will get you mugged and assaulted.
It will? Damn. I guess they forgot to inform us when we lived there.
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on June 18, 2019, 03:23:30 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 18, 2019, 03:17:25 PM
And get a very a lax police response for all the trouble they make, unlike yellow vests.
That part of the problem, isn't it? Trying to be an upstanding, upwardly-mobile citizen will get you mugged and assaulted.
This can get also get you in the beginning some not so nice epithets (French, white, bourgeois, bobo, hipster(!)) which cause the French and/or assimilated ones to move out of such neighborhoods, specially if mugging becomes part of the routine.
Moving if they can afford it, that is.
Iceland! ^_^
It sounds like you and Zoupa had very different experiences living in your respective banlieues. Honestly, nearly everything I know about them comes from BBC articles and a Tamil-language film about a guy who moved from Sri Lanka to one (incorrectly believing that he'd escaped ethno-religious violence).
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on June 18, 2019, 04:46:28 PM
It sounds like you and Zoupa had very different experiences living in your respective banlieues. Honestly, nearly everything I know about them comes from BBC articles and a Tamil-language film about a guy who moved from Sri Lanka to one (incorrectly believing that he'd escaped ethno-religious violence).
Not the same generation I'd say, plus the situation has been worsening for a while now plus the so-called banlieue-behaviour spreads to other areas, since in Paris/Île-de-France area at least, the public transportation system means the banlieues are from being isolated areas.
If you want a movie about how problematic the banlieue was, before the current troubles, or the "americanisation" of it (as in hip-hop gangsta sub-culture), coupled with the French touch i.e islamisation, there is this one, subjective, but still a pretty good time capsule, as in very different from now:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094959/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094959/)
Might be hard to find for you though. It was recently restored I believe, but the director was a victim of the #metoo movement, before any real judgement was passed, and died recently.
Canada might be a good choice after a decade or so more of global warming. Though Canada does have plenty of shithole to it.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 18, 2019, 05:04:20 PM
Canada might be a good choice after a decade or so more of global warming. Though Canada does have plenty of shithole to it.
I went with the Netherlands because of the Dutch people I've know, but that certainly would be a long term problem. :hmm:
Quote from: mongers on June 18, 2019, 05:09:50 PM
I went with the Netherlands because of the Dutch people I've know, but that certainly would be a long term problem. :hmm:
That lisp coming from a smiley, goofy Dutch chick gives me serious wood, but I wonder if living there a long time would give one a feeling of claustrophobia. Though I suppose that wouldn't be an issue for someone born there.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 18, 2019, 05:49:35 PM
Quote from: mongers on June 18, 2019, 05:09:50 PM
I went with the Netherlands because of the Dutch people I've know, but that certainly would be a long term problem. :hmm:
That lisp coming from a smiley, goofy Dutch chick gives me serious wood, but I wonder if living there a long time would give one a feeling of claustrophobia. Though I suppose that wouldn't be an issue for someone born there.
Friend of mine, somewhat buttoned up/conventional guy, move there in his 20s, made the rest of his life there and is now a thoroughly chilled* out family man.
* finance job and no drugs involved.
I think my choice would be between Hong Kong and Liechtenstein/Nordic countries.
Hong Kong would be the high risk, high return choice. A bit like playing a game on very hard difficulty. Everybody knows the way to beat the game; there is no secret. Dedicate the first 18 years of your life to show that you are the best 1-2% of the students. Be accepted into medical school. Game, set, match. You have to be willing to give up everything else and you just have to go through hell to beat everybody else. But it can be done. The flip side is if you don't make it, life can be truly miserable, e.g. 100 square feet flat, US$5 an hour, no advancement, etc.
Nordic countries and Liechtenstein would be more like normal difficulty. If you end up as a restaurant waiter, you probably won't be as miserable as you are in Hong Kong.
Given that I failed to become a good student in Hong Kong, my chances may not be that great. But part of me wants to redeem myself and try once more unto the breach if I ever get a second chance. I was lazy this time. Maybe if I work harder next time, I may pass. So I tend to try Hong Kong once more.
Liechtenstein gives the best odds of a good life.
If thst seems too gamey and I needed to pick a larger country, I might go with Norway or even Germany.
If it were a guarantee to be born into at least the upper middle class, I'd probably go with the US.
Quote from: Monoriu on June 18, 2019, 09:58:11 PM
I was lazy this time. Maybe if I work harder next time, I may pass. So I tend to try Hong Kong once more.
Forsake Calvinist Buddhism. Join me in Norway with our hygge and our blondes and our oil checks.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 18, 2019, 05:49:35 PM
That lisp coming from a smiley, goofy Dutch chick gives me serious wood, but I wonder if living there a long time would give one a feeling of claustrophobia. Though I suppose that wouldn't be an issue for someone born there.
Claustrophobia? Because of the population density?
Quote from: Grinning_Colossus on June 18, 2019, 11:38:37 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on June 18, 2019, 09:58:11 PM
I was lazy this time. Maybe if I work harder next time, I may pass. So I tend to try Hong Kong once more.
Forsake Calvinist Buddhism. Join me in Norway with our hygge and our blondes and our oil checks.
We must resist the lure of the dark side and focus on higher GDP.
Quote from: Maladict on June 18, 2019, 11:46:52 PM
Claustrophobia? Because of the population density?
Yeah
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 19, 2019, 02:55:41 PM
Quote from: Maladict on June 18, 2019, 11:46:52 PM
Claustrophobia? Because of the population density?
Yeah
England has a very similar population density to the Netherlands as a whole iirc.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 19, 2019, 02:55:41 PM
Quote from: Maladict on June 18, 2019, 11:46:52 PM
Claustrophobia? Because of the population density?
Yeah
I'm biased of course but it doesn't feel different from Belgium or Germany. England's population density is even higher than ours.
Did anybody mention population density? Where I live it is like -
(https://i.imgur.com/gUfq6sq.jpg)
Quote from: Monoriu on June 19, 2019, 05:14:44 PM
Did anybody mention population density? Where I live it is like -
Must be incredibly packed given how many people have to stay out on the streets.
Quote from: Tyr on June 18, 2019, 02:25:16 PM
You wake up one morning to bright lights and harp music. As your vision clears you see that you are standing on clouds that stretch off into the horizon as far as the eye can see. The only feature in this cloudy desert is a large golden gate, in front of which stands an old bearded guy with a halo, a concerned look across his face as he examines a clipboard.
"Your name isn't Wendy Chan is it? No, I thought not...Oh bum, it's happened again"
He hands you a form and explains:
"Ever since we privatised collections this has started happening more than ever. Long story short; you're dead. Woops. You're not meant to be but we've collected the wrong person and there's no way to send you back." you don't really have time to think or read the form before he continues "Since its not your time yet we don't really have space for you...and, well, we sold off limbo years ago. So, we've developed a bit of a work around."
He points to the form "All your details are here, the only thing you have to worry about is this box here. You're going to be reincarnated. You're going to be a human. Don't worry about that. But everything else is rather a coin toss I'm afraid; gender, wealth of your parents, DNA, etcetera. About the only thing we can give you a choice in, is in which nation you'll be born on the 1st July 2019. So. Write it in the box there."
"Oh. And in case you're thinking of trying something smart, if you don't write an actual nation that exists you'll be given something random. Don't be like that kid who put Wakanda. The guys in admin don't have a sense of humour and they gave him North Korea. Any questions? No. Great. Get writing. Here's a quill shaped biro."
Norway. With global warming coming hard on us, it might be a great place to live in by the time I die of old age, I mean, suffocating from the untolerable heat over my hometown.
Singapore is also not a bad choice on the high risk, high return side. I imagine their education system also has social Darwinist traits. So if you can make it to the top 1% in exam scores, the rewards should be fine.
I voted for the Netherlands. I like their combination of social liberalism whilst actually being a bunch of squares.
I would like to be reborn in the posh end of Wassenaar pls.
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 20, 2019, 01:29:07 AM
I would like to be reborn in the posh end of Wassenaar pls.
:yucky:
Singapore; it's consistently ranked one of the happiest places on earth; and, as there are so many people in our American society that would benefit immensely from being caned, I fully support their concepts of law and justice. :)
;)
Quote from: Savonarola on June 20, 2019, 08:52:51 AM
Singapore; it's consistently ranked one of the happiest places on earth; and, as there are so many people in our American society that would benefit immensely from being caned, I fully support their concepts of law and justice. :)
;)
Or, for that matter, kink. (See: avatar :D).
Quote from: Malthus on June 20, 2019, 04:05:30 PM
Quote from: Savonarola on June 20, 2019, 08:52:51 AM
Singapore; it's consistently ranked one of the happiest places on earth; and, as there are so many people in our American society that would benefit immensely from being caned, I fully support their concepts of law and justice. :)
;)
Or, for that matter, kink. (See: avatar :D).
No wonder they're so happy.
Singapore should be what China is aiming for. A good start would be implementing cleverly rigged elections.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 20, 2019, 05:27:33 PM
Singapore should be what China is aiming for.
What are you saying exactly?
Quote from: The Brain on June 20, 2019, 05:36:08 PM
What are you saying exactly?
That if you want to follow the authoritarian, efficient, rich, productive model, Singapore is as good as it gets.
There was a lot of interest in the Singaporean model in the Mainland. But the combination of judicial independence, lean and clean bureaucracy, respect for minority rights, far less internet censorship, land reform for the purpose of providing affordable and quality public housing, and much better social services is almost a paradigm shift for the Mainland.
Lee Kuan-Yew was a key inspiration for Deng's reforms.
Choosing between Singapore and Hong Kong is tough. Singapore is an independent country; Hong Kong is part of China. Hong Kong has a lot more civic freedoms; but Singaporeans can elect their government. The housing situation in Hong Kong is beyond hopeless for most people; Singapore has more draconian laws and some internet censorship. There is conscription in Singapore and massive influx of foreign workers; Hong Kong is flooded by mainland tourists. Singapore has better welfare but higher taxes and mandatory savings plans; Hong Kong has very little retirement benefit but lower taxes.
Quote from: Monoriu on June 20, 2019, 09:36:10 PM
Singaporeans can elect their government.
Not really.
Quote from: Monoriu on June 20, 2019, 09:36:10 PM
Choosing between Singapore and Hong Kong is tough. Singapore is an independent country; Hong Kong is part of China. Hong Kong has a lot more civic freedoms; but Singaporeans can elect their government. The housing situation in Hong Kong is beyond hopeless for most people; Singapore has more draconian laws and some internet censorship. There is conscription in Singapore and massive influx of foreign workers; Hong Kong is flooded by mainland tourists. Singapore has better welfare but higher taxes and mandatory savings plans; Hong Kong has very little retirement benefit but lower taxes.
Yet Singapore often tops "Happiest Countries" lists while Hong Kong never does; demonstrating that more freedoms don't make us happier, but more canings do. :)
Quote from: Savonarola on June 21, 2019, 09:34:25 AM
Yet Singapore often tops "Happiest Countries" lists while Hong Kong never does
To be fair, it's not a country :P
Quote from: Maladict on June 21, 2019, 10:12:01 AM
Quote from: Savonarola on June 21, 2019, 09:34:25 AM
Yet Singapore often tops "Happiest Countries" lists while Hong Kong never does
To be fair, it's not a country :P
Fair enough; but Hong Kong is never on the "Happiest Cities" lists either; so I'll stand by my thesis that canings = joy.
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 20, 2019, 01:29:07 AM
I voted for the Netherlands. I like their combination of social liberalism whilst actually being a bunch of squares.
I would like to be reborn in the posh end of Wassenaar pls.
We stayed in Wassenaar back when I visited the Netherlands. Would absolutely be a nice place to live.
Quote from: derspiess on June 21, 2019, 10:50:53 AM
We stayed in Wassenaar back when I visited the Netherlands. Would absolutely be a nice place to live.
For real? It's basically the Dutch Beverly Hills without the hills.
A boring town full of white reactionary oh wait I get it :P
Quote from: Maladict on June 21, 2019, 11:34:12 AM
Quote from: derspiess on June 21, 2019, 10:50:53 AM
We stayed in Wassenaar back when I visited the Netherlands. Would absolutely be a nice place to live.
For real? It's basically the Dutch Beverly Hills without the hills.
A boring town full of white reactionary oh wait I get it :P
Or maybe it would be a Flodder scenario? :P
Beverly Hills is a boring town full of reactionaries?
Quote from: Valmy on June 21, 2019, 11:38:32 AM
Beverly Hills is a boring town full of reactionaries?
Beverly Hills as in one of the wealthiest suburbs in the country. My knowledge of the area is fully derived from 90s TV series.
Quote from: Maladict on June 21, 2019, 11:41:42 AM
Quote from: Valmy on June 21, 2019, 11:38:32 AM
Beverly Hills is a boring town full of reactionaries?
Beverly Hills as in one of the wealthiest suburbs in the country. My knowledge of the area is fully derived from 90s TV series.
Is is traditionally where the Hollywood producers and big stars live. Wealthy, but I doubt it is boring.
But then that is just its reputation from the days of yore. I have no idea what 2019 Beverly Hills is actually like.
The bright lights of Den Haag are just a few kilometres down the road :P
Quote from: Maladict on June 21, 2019, 11:41:42 AM
Quote from: Valmy on June 21, 2019, 11:38:32 AM
Beverly Hills is a boring town full of reactionaries?
Beverly Hills as in one of the wealthiest suburbs in the country. My knowledge of the area is fully derived from 90s TV series.
That puts you a bit up on me. My knowledge of it is mostly derived from an older TV series. :)
Quote from: dps on June 21, 2019, 07:03:45 PM
Quote from: Maladict on June 21, 2019, 11:41:42 AM
Quote from: Valmy on June 21, 2019, 11:38:32 AM
Beverly Hills is a boring town full of reactionaries?
Beverly Hills as in one of the wealthiest suburbs in the country. My knowledge of the area is fully derived from 90s TV series.
That puts you a bit up on me. My knowledge of it is mostly derived from an older TV series. :)
Yours was probably more realistic.
The Beverly Hillbillies? :P
Syt got it in one.
How does it fit in with Bel Air?
Bel Air is like Beverly Hills but with more hills.
Voted New Zealand, but Liechtenstein is a good choice.